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From Pussy Riot and 'It Girl' hipsters to 21st century socialists - a revealing, rollicking ride along the front line of Russia's new dissidents

In the freezing winter of 2011, in what was a watershed moment, 100,000 took to Moscow's streets to protest Putin's party sweeping elections amid widespread allegations of corruption. A few months later, Pussy Riot hit headlines around the world when they were arrested following their anti-Putin demo in an Orthodox cathedral.

Now, Marc Bennetts takes us straight to the beating heart of the opposition movement, introducing a brave new generation of Russian dissidents. We meet a bustling cast of urban youth, blogging and tweeting to expose the injustices of the regime, and their unlikely allies - from Bolshoi ballerinas to black-clad Bolsheviks.

Featuring interviews with Pussy Riot activists and top Kremlin loyalists alike, this vivid and enthralling narrative is the definitive guide to the new Russia.

About the Author

Marc Bennetts is a British journalist based in Moscow. He has reported from Russia, Iran and North Korea for The Times, the Guardian, the Observer, and the New York Times, among other publications. His first book, Football Dynamo, examined Russian culture and society through the country's national sport.

'Electrifying' Booklist 'Strongly written, well-researched and timely... Kicking the Kremlin should be read now.' TLS 'This book gives a fascinating peek at the shifting political landscape in one of the world's most opaque nations.' Press Association 'A compelling account of how a disparate set of political groups came together to create the largest anti-government protests Russia has seen in living memory. Bennetts doesn't attempt any grand theologising nor does he impose his own politics on the account - which in this case is welcome.' New Statesman 'A lively, sardonic account of Putin's reign and those opposed to it' Metro 'Bennetts' entertaining book Kicking the Kremlin could hardly have come at a better time... Bennetts is well-placed to write the book. The huge variety of his interviews, through which he elicits a pleasing selection of anecdotes, as well as accusations of being a foreign spy, show his familiarity with the country and its people.' We Love This Book 'An engagingly grim, frequently absurdist portrait of Vladimir Putin and the popular protests against him.' Kirkus Reviews 'Dark, compelling, and illuminating. Bennetts meets priests, lawmakers, spin-doctors, ordinary Russians, left-wing agitators, and riot cops in this vivid first-hand portrait.' -- Luke Harding, Guardian correspondent and author of Mafia State 'Colourful and authoritative. The best account of Russia's protest movement and Putin's ferocious crackdown.' -- Angus Roxburgh, author of The Strongman: Vladimir Putin and the Struggle for Russia 'Vivid and insightful. Bennetts captures a transitional moment in Russian history. Years from now, when researchers are seeking to explain the second Putin era, they would do well to use this reportage.' -- Daniel Kalder, author of Lost Cosmonaut 'Bennetts has done an excellent job of drawing together the scattered beads of a sobering story.' -- Susan Richards, author of Lost and Found in Russia: Encounters in a Deep Heartland